Cost per use: the case for keeping two types of aluminum foil
Jan 4, 2012
With food, you just need to think about the cost per serving. With items that can be used more than once, stretch your thinking to think about cost per use.
Freezer-weight foil is more expensive per square foot than the flimsy stuff, but can be less expensive per use. Thrillingly, this logic reveals that honoring your home-cooked meals with china plates and cloth napkins is thriftier than eating off paper plates and using paper napkins.
This thinking changed the way I think about many products, including aluminum foil. I used to keep just one open box, but now now I keep two.
One roll is thick, freezer-weight foil, used whenever it's likely that I can use the foil again. This foil covers casseroles, wraps freezer-bound bread, and keeps the edges of pie-crusts from burning.
The other roll is flimsy and inexpensive. I usually use this foil just once:
- For dirty jobs such as making foil pockets for grilling vegetables or lining a roasting pan
- For no-return jobs such as covering a food that is going elsewhere, such as plates of holiday cookies or dishes taken to pot-lucks
- When I know in my heart-of-hearts that I'm not going to wash the foil even if I could
Washing aluminum foil
Wash aluminum foil between uses by laying it flat on the counter, then rubbing it with a soapy sponge. Rinse, then let dry in the drainer or bent and propped up on the counter.
Storing and re-using aluminum foil
If you don't reuse it, then washing and storing foil is a waste of time and resources. Finding a useful size quickly is key. I fold foil in quarters so it's easy to see how big it is without taking up too much room.
Remember that it's OK to use two or more layers of foil for most purposes. A large piece of foil that will cover a lasagna pan will also cover a pie plate when folded in half.
Do you think in terms of cost-per-use? Or have tips for getting the most out of a roll of foil? Share your ideas in the comments below.
Reader Comments (4)
How many uses do you typically get off freezer weight foil?
My joke is that I get as many uses as I supervise.
My partner will recycle after one use.
Realistically, a casserole or bake pan sized piece makes it three times at size, and a couple more after I tear it accidentally.
:-)
Too funny, Ecoenergygirl!
It really depends on the uses, but probably 10 uses for the freezer-weight foil and 4 for the thin foil, if just used to cover a baking pan. The freezer-weight foil strips that I use to protect pie crusts while baking seem to last forever, maybe 40 uses.
If a larger piece tears at the right spot, I just even it up so it becomes a smaller piece, recycling the torn part.
Is there a reason you use for pie edges rather than a permanent ring?
(no, I don't make pies. I'm probably asking a dim question)
I started baking pies before the rings were so common, but it's probably still a thriftier option. Good question!